Leucine-enriched whey protein and resistance training for sarcopenia
What it found
In older adults with sarcopenia, leucine-enriched whey protein combined with resistance training was linked to more lean muscle mass, better muscle strength and improved physical performance.
The findings come from a mix of randomised controlled trials, longer follow-up studies and pooled analyses in people.
What they found
Studies in people
Muscle mass and strength
Taking leucine-enriched whey protein alongside resistance training led to more lean muscle mass, greater muscle strength and better physical performance in older adults with sarcopenia.
Muscle breakdown
Leucine-enriched whey protein may help reduce muscle protein breakdown, and it may work together with resistance exercise to improve muscle adaptation.
Other findings
How leucine works
Leucine has anabolic properties, meaning it supports muscle building. It plays a role in protein synthesis and mTOR signalling pathways.
What the authors conclude
“Leucine-enriched whey protein supplementation combined with resistance training is beneficial in addressing sarcopenia in older adults.”
Also in their conclusions
- They conclude that leucine-enriched whey protein supplementation combined with resistance training is beneficial in addressing sarcopenia in older adults.
- They say this review consolidates the current understanding of this intervention, highlights its potential benefits and provides insights for future research and clinical applications in geriatric muscle health.
- They propose future research into optimal dosing regimens, long-term sustainability and potential contraindications to improve the precision and applicability of this approach.
How it was done
Sarcopenia is a decline in skeletal muscle mass with age that challenges the health and independence of older people. The authors wanted to see whether leucine-enriched whey protein and resistance training could reduce its effects.
They brought together randomised controlled trials, longitudinal studies and meta-analyses published between 2011 and 2024 on leucine-enriched whey protein in older adults. They also looked at how leucine works in the body, including its role in protein synthesis and mTOR signalling.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- The review pulls together different types of studies, so it cannot show on its own that leucine-enriched whey protein causes the improvements seen.
- It does not settle the best dose, how long the benefits last, or who should avoid this supplement.
Who paid
- Conflicts
- The authors have nothing to report. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
- Authors work at
- University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Pakistan; Yangzhou University, China; University Institute of Food Science and Technology, Pakistan
The paper
- Title
- Enhancing Muscle Quality: Exploring Leucine and Whey Protein in Sarcopenic Individuals
- Type
- Systematic review
- Evidence
- Studies in people
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Ijaz A, Ain HBU, Tufail T, et al (2025). Enhancing Muscle Quality: Exploring Leucine and Whey Protein in Sarcopenic Individuals. Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle. doi:10.1002/jcsm.70060Free full textPubMed 40937507DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error